Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

About Us

Message from the Director

On behalf of the NMU Center for Native American Studies team, miigwech (thank you) for visiting our website. I am moved to compose a more personal note for this update.

Native American Studies (NAS) promotes an approach of m’naademdamowin (respect)! Respect in and out of the classroom. Respect for creation. Respect for all beings of the earth. Respect for the elderly. Respect for different ways of knowing. And respect for different ways of learning. Respect for one’s self and one’s body. Respect for finding balance.

We, in NAS, have an obligation to help students and our communities reach a critical consciousness for the benefit of the earth, Indigenous peoples, all of our relations, and for those future generations yet to be born. We need intellectual warriors willing to sacrifice their time and energy to grip on to the tenets of the discipline of Native American Studies and create positive changes for tribal peoples! We need more people to respectfully engage the teachings found within the ancestral territory of the Anishinaabe for the next seven generations to come. These tenets of NAS and traditional teachings must be remembered, revocalized, and revitalized. As Mohawk artist Elizabeth Doxtater has said, we need to be of good mind and re-villagize! It is my hope that you feel similarly. If you are someone who seeks to serve Indigenous communities, reach out to us and let us know how our academic programs will help you achieve your goals.

If you are in or around the Marquette area, feel free to visit our “village.” The Center for Native American Studies is located in 112 Whitman Hall at the corner of Norway Street and Fair Avenue in Marquette, Michigan. We are *usually* open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday ET. If you are not able to see us in person, visit our Facebook page.

Have an amazing academic semester and be kind to one another.

Respectfully,

April E. Lindala, NMU Alum '97, '03, '06
Director of the NMU Center for Native American Studies
Associate Professor of English

Be sure to also visit the Center on Facebook, Twitter [@NMU_CNAS] and Flickr. Listen to Public Radio 90 [WNMU-FM] Fridays for Anishinaabe Radio News, a weekly program with insights to Native American Studies and news from Indian Country.